The tax on plastic carrier bags is likely to rise to 10p and be extended to all retailers according to stories in National Newspapers and TV News services.

The Sun reveals: The 5p charge for plastic bags is to double to 10p, and the levy - which has lead to a dramatic drop in the use of supermarket bags - is to be rolled out to smaller retailers amid fresh environmental measures to be unveiled within days.

In the Mail Online they report: The plastic bag charge is to be extended to every shop.  Theresa May will announce the move next week – and consult on proposals to double the levy from 5p to 10p.  She will confirm the charge will affect all stores rather than just large retailers, lifting the exemption on small businesses with fewer than 250 staff.

And on Sky News the initial 5p charge is credited with reducing the use of plastic bags in the "big seven" British supermarkets by 86% since 2015.  The 5p charge for plastic bags is set to double to 10p, according to reports. The measure will apparently be introduced across supermarkets and smaller retailers after the initial levy led to a dramatic drop in their use. Ministers are reportedly set to include a discussion on the move in a consultation on the government's plan to end Britain's "throwaway culture" next week.

Last year Squires Garden Centres donated their carrier bag tax of £4,219 to the Greenfingers Charity, pictured above.

Linda Petrons, Head of Fundraising for Greenfingers, said of the tax: “The government carrier bag tax provides an easy opportunity for retailers to donate to good causes. We are extremely grateful to British Garden Centres, Squire’s, Haskins, Langlands and others who have already been kind enough to select Greenfingers as their benefiting charity. We urge others in the horticultural industry to follow suit and select us as their beneficiary – we have a waiting list of hospices who need our help to create gardens; contributions from the carrier bag tax can help us help them sooner.”

Any retailer who would like to donate their profits from the carrier bag tax to Greenfingers should email info@greenfingerscharity.org.uk or call 01494 764749.